The Big Red Bus
LifeWise Academy relies upon a 1952 U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Zorach v. Clauson) that allows students optional, off-campus released time for religious instruction, or RTRI. The Ohio-based nonprofit Bible education program has made the Buckeye State a hub for RTRI, and will reach over 600 school districts in 30 states this school year.
“People who believe in separation of church and state should love LifeWise and should love release time because it’s a beautiful manifestation of it,” LifeWise CEO Joel Penton said in an interview, underscoring that students in LifeWise are transported off-campus (often to churches or community centers), the program is independently funded, kids don’t miss core classes (LifeWise is held during specials like art, music, recess, or lunch), and there’s no state compulsion to attend.
